HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, such as the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance the typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it a great choice for users who favor a bright, engaging typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers a truly unique typing sensation, featuring ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an incredibly smooth action and a medium-high pitched sound signature. While both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and auditory experience, they are ideal for users seeking a seamless typing experience without the distractions of tactile bumps or clicks. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both utilize nylon for their switch housing, which is highly regarded within mechanical keyboard communities for its sonic qualities. Both models feature nylon as their top housing material, resulting in a comparable sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This shared material allows users to enjoy a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, making both keyboards appealing for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
In addition to their top housing similarities, both the Cloud - 50g and the WS Pearl also feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This further enhances the acoustic consistency between the two keyboards. While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when keys are released, the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon material in both housings ensures that users can anticipate a cohesive sound profile, regardless of the keyboard being used. Consequently, users will likely find that the overall experience remains similar when transitioning between the two keyboards.
Despite sharing the same materials in their housings, variations in design or engineering could exist within the internal mechanisms of each switch, affecting keypress experiences beyond just sound. However, with both models constructed from nylon, users can expect similar auditory results and an overall softened sound delivery regardless of the keyboard choice. This consistency allows mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to appreciate the nuances of typing across both models while maintaining an understanding of how the nylon material translates to auditory performance in their daily use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where lower resistance can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, giving it a medium feel. This can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feedback when bottoming out. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g is the heavier option in terms of overall sensation due to its higher actuation and slightly lower bottom out force, the WS Pearl offers a unique dynamic with its lighter actuation combined with a firmer bottoming out. The differing weights of these switches align with their specific user preferences: those who favor lighter keys for comfort may lean towards the WS Pearl, while those seeking a stronger typing experience might prefer the heavier Cloud - 50g.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the longer option, providing a more pronounced key feel that some users may find beneficial for typing or general use. Conversely, the WS Pearl, with its shorter travel distance, could cater more to gamers looking for quicker response times and a snappier actuation. The difference in travel distance may influence user preference; those who enjoy a more tactile and immersive experience might favor the Cloud - 50g, whereas those seeking speed and efficiency may lean towards the WS Pearl. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on an individual's personal preferences regarding key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch produces a clacky sound profile that is well-suited for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy an audible feedback with each keystroke, adding an engaging layer to their typing or gaming. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch has a medium-high pitched sound signature, which can offer a different auditory experience that some may find more subtle yet equally satisfying. It’s essential to note that the sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so adjustments in those areas could lead to varied results.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness as you type, making long typing sessions comfortable. This smoothness can enhance the overall experience for users who favor a fluid keystroke. In contrast, the WS Pearl goes a step further by integrating ball-bearings to minimize friction, resulting in an incredibly smooth keystroke that feels almost surreal. This innovation can provide a different tactile sensation, appealing to those who value sleekness in their typing experience.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you lean towards a brighter, clackier sound and enjoy a notably smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g might be your match. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-high pitch sound combined with an incredibly slick typing experience, the WS Pearl could be the way to go. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches promise a gratifying typing experience, allowing users to achieve an enjoyable outcome regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and style. If you prefer a lighter feel and enjoy a brighter, clacky sound profile that provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be your best choice. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a silky-smooth typing experience and may find it easier to type quickly due to the lower actuation force of 50 grams. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust keystroke and a unique, super-smooth typing sensation, the WS Pearl's medium actuation force of 58 grams, along with its ball-bearing design, would be appealing. The higher pitch sound signature of the WS Pearl, combined with its exceptional smoothness, is perfect for users who value a tactile yet quieter typing atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and ease of actuation or if you lean towards a slightly heavier touch with an extraordinary smoothness.
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